By Gerri Miller
Elmore/Autauga News
Ryan Burgener likes to do things big when it comes to the holidays. In fact, the Halloween display he’s built in front of his Wallsboro home includes what is believed to be the tallest scarecrow in Alabama.
Ryan and his wife Tyler have created a spooky scene they call “Fear on Grier” and have invited the public for the second year to drive by 5066 Grier Road in Wallsboro to visit Alabama’s tallest scarecrow and enjoy some candy. They are also asking for donations that will benefit the Humane Society of Elmore County. (See list of needs further down.)
“Since I was a kid, I’ve had an affinity for the holidays and wanted to celebrate them in a big way,” Ryan said. “Our house is set back a bit from the street so we have to go big!”
Ryan said the design aspect was the easy part of building the scarecrow, but getting it to stand up was another story.
“With lots of help from friends and family, the construction takes about three days,” he said. “The tallest scarecrow is 22 feet. The other two are new this year and are between eight and twelve feet.”
Ryan said the group also created a spooky arch over the driveway that has a 15-foot-tall structure but stands about 18 feet tall with decorations.
On designated nights, the couple sits outside and welcomes people to come see the display and take a few photos. “And of course, we hand out candy,” Tyler said. “We just really enjoy sharing it with the community.”
The designated nights for visiting are October 23 & 30, 7-10 p.m., and October 24,28, 29, and 31 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Parking is limited, so visitors are asked to carpool if possible. “This year, we’re inviting folks to bring a donation for the Humane Society of Elmore County,” Tyler said. “It isn’t required, but would be appreciated.”
Items the Humane Shelter has listed as needed include:
Money is always needed to purchase supplies, do repairs and help animals in need. You can contribute via PayPal, telephone credit charge, by mail or just visit the shelter to drop it off. But the below donated items help the organization save money so that it can be used directly for the animals for everything from vaccinations to surgeries for injured pets. All donated items are greatly appreciated.
* Evolve Ultra Concentrated Bleach Tablets
- * Liquid Bleach (generic is fine)– please do NOT purchase/donate bleach labeled as “No Splash or Low Splash” as it does not disinfect. These low/no splash bleaches are only good for deodorizing or whitening as their sodium hypochlorite concentration is only 1-5% which isn’t strong enough to sanitize and disinfect.
- * Fabuloso Liquid Detergent
- * Liquid Dishwashing soap
- * Non-Clumping Cat Litter (cheap, clay litter best as it is discarded daily & is cheaper)
- * Canned Dog/Cat Food (lamb/chicken preferred)
The items above are the most used items so they can never have too much.
- Dry Puppy/Kitten Chow
- Plastic Trash Bags – 13-Gal, 30- Gal & 45-55 Gal
- Paper towels
- Toilet Paper (for the humans)
- Black Sharpies
- Ball Point Pens
- Vienna Sausages – really helps when giving pills to dogs
- Peanut Butter – also for giving meds and heartworm prevention to the dogs
- Laundry detergent
- Old Towels/Blankets
- Spray Nozzles for hoses
- Heavy-Duty Garden Hoses-50’ & >; ‘for hot water use’ best
- First class postage stamps
- LONG Shredded Paper – they use shredded paper at Off-Site Adoption Events in the puppy play pens but can only use the ‘long’ shreds as the cross-cut shreds are rather like confetti and simply go everywhere.
The Shelter also takes most anything at their Tails End Thrift Store – clothing, furniture, bric-a-brac, appliances, linens, art, books, collectibles, etc. All donations to the Thrift Store & Shelter are tax-deductible. Best times to bring donations to the Thrift Store are Monday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday from 9 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Generic brands are fine and greatly appreciated.
